Owl City: Alligator Sky Review

Updated on April 30, 2014

Adam Young suits up for the 'Alligator Sky' music video. | Source

Owl City's first single from his 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' project delivers a different style that Adam Young had not adventured into up to this point. Blending his signature electronic sounds as a foundation, he welcomes a collaboration with Shawn Chrystopher. He provides a hypnotic beat, rapping lyrics about taking off in a rocket and leaving the world behind. Adam softly sings the chorus that speaks positively about a future in space:'Where was I when the rockets came to life, And carried you away into the alligator sky,Even though, I'll never know what's up ahead, I'm never lettin' go, I'm never lettin' go.'

Not only is the single a hit, but the music is quite entertaining as well. It features both artists in astronaut suits and shows how Earth might look after a celebratory journey to space. After both shoot up into the sky in a futuristic rocket, images of Adam's hometown flash across the screen. This signifies that Adam has reached his dreams like a rocket touches the sky, but he will never forget his foundation. For us, we will continue to live on planet Earth, but will never cease imagining reaching a perfect alligator sky.

This single debuted at the number 1 spot for Itunes on its electronic music chart in March of 2011.

I'm not sure. I think it's just meant to provoke a certain feeling, but I could be wrong. I like this song also. Although, I like most of the songs that Adam Young puts out; I'm a huge Owl City fan. :)

f 5 years ago

Maybe it's a reference to the reptilian skin patterns on an alligator, reflecting the recurring complex synthesis of the Owl City sound?

Ebower 5 years ago from Georgia Author

Haha I doubt it, but good guess!

f 5 years ago

Maybe...like a reptilian, chameleon's skin, the color of the sky entirely reflects the light conditions that pass through the earth's atmosphere? Maybe he means something like this.

Blessings.

Ebower 5 years ago from Georgia Author

Perhaps; I'm not sure, but I like your explanation!

f 5 years ago

Is he planning any new albums, do you happen to know?

Blessings.

Ebower 5 years ago from Georgia Author

I haven't heard or read anything of the sort. He's on tour in Europe right now and then will be back in the States later this fall. He seems to be on a 2 year track. His first (signed) album, 'Ocean Eyes', was released in 2009. His latest, 'All Things Bright and Beautiful', was released this summer (2011). So, I'm guessing he'll have another one out in 2013 (?).

f 5 years ago

Ty!

You seem to be well informed, anyway.

(Does their fan club need a secretary or something?)

Blessings.

Ebower 5 years ago from Georgia Author

Your welcome! lol I doubt it. There are so many 'hoot owls' (fans of Owl City) out there and many clubs and organizations online already, but thanks for the sentiment. :)

f 5 years ago

I guess the maxim applies: Keep options open ...

Blessings.

Ebower 5 years ago from Georgia Author

Yes, you're right. :)

naturalsolutions 5 years ago

Owl city has their own music that really makes them famous. Their music is so different to the others, it is something alternative love songs or a senti and slowrock music.

And the voice of their vocalist is like a voice of an angel. I really love your hub.

f 5 years ago

'senti and slowrock music', this is a good way of putting it.

Ebower 5 years ago from Georgia Author

naturalsolutions: I'm sorry I haven't responded to your comment until now. I've been quite busy. I would like to correct you in one regard; Owl City is really a one man band (Adam Young) in that he writes all of the music and produces it in his own studio. He does have people that help sing and play instruments for him at his concerts. I'm am a huge fan of his music; I hope you aren't offended by my correction. I really like your description of his music and I must whole-heartedly agree that his voice is pure and angelic. Thanks so much for reading and commenting on my hub!

f 5 years ago

I'm sure you must be on an Owl City email mailing list, anyway; you are very knowledgeable.

Blessings.

Ebower 5 years ago from Georgia Author

Well, thank you; I take that as a compliment. I don't believe I'm on a mailing list, but I follow him on Twitter and gain information from other web sites.

f 5 years ago

I guess he's busy, anyway, though I've not seen any new stuff lately. Blessings.

Ebower 5 years ago from Georgia Author

He is most definitely a busy man; although, he just completed his world tour. I'm sure he is taking a break and resting right now. He did do a colloboration with Armin van Buuren recently. The music video for 'Youtopia' was released today. Type it in youtube if you would like to watch it.

f 5 years ago

I just been listening; it's similar to his previous stuff; quite some rhythm!

Blessings.

Ebower 5 years ago from Georgia Author

Yes, it definitely has rhythm. :) I like the lyrics also. Although, I like to view it from the perspective of God and a Christian.

f 5 years ago

Oh well, you've probably had longer than I have to pay closer attention to the words than I have, anyway. Ty for the ref. Blessings.

Ebower 5 years ago from Georgia Author

Your welcome. :)

f 5 years ago

You're quite a fan of Adam Young's music, I know, anyway. Blessings.

Ebower 5 years ago from Georgia Author

Yes, I surely am.

f 5 years ago

Funny how it's noticeable, anyway. Blessings :)

f 3 years ago

So, has Adam put out any new music recently?

Ebower 3 years ago from Georgia Author

f: Not officially that I know of. He posts some random short songs every now again on his blog.

f 3 years ago

Oh okay, ty :)

a 3 years ago

Without the video, 'Alligator Sky' somehow sounds to me like someone passed away. It's like the one who passed away and the one who's left are having a dialogue. The latter is sad, though he's still optimistic and full of faith. We can never be sure, though. But it's a beautiful, inspiring song. :)

And the version without Shawn Chrystopher sounds to me like he has all of these messages containing how he imagines heaven to be and how his friend might enjoy there.